World Health Organization Sounds Concern Over Critical Scarcity of Weight-Loss Medications

Less than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.

Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.

Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the organization.

GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis

Despite the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.

The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, by strategies including voluntary licensing.

A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work

GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.

Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.

Studies points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their typical appetite resume.

Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.

Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.